World’s Largest Fossil-Free Sailing Superyacht Nears Completion
Vripack Yacht Design and Vitters Shipyard announced this week that the world’s first sailing superyacht designed to operate without fossil fuels is nearing completion. The 230’ (70-meter) vessel, named appropriately S/Y Zero, expected to launch by the end of 2025 certainly appears to be the world’s largest in this category. Zero is the culmination of over 60,000 hours of research and development, marking a significant milestone in sustainable yacht design.
The Netherlands based project, led by Vripack, Vitters, and Dykstra Naval Architects, and supported by a multidisciplinary team, aims to prove that luxury yachting can exist without reliance on fossil fuels. Zero will be powered entirely by wind, solar, and thermal energy. All technical data, systems designs, and insights will be made available through FoundationZero.org, offering open-source access to encourage the adoption of sustainable marine technologies.
“From the beginning, this project was about showing what’s possible,” said Marnix Hoekstra, co-creative director at Vripack. “We wanted to demonstrate that comfort, design, and performance can coexist with fossil-free operation.”
On board, every system—from propulsion and lighting to hotel load and utilities—is fully electric. Power is supplied by a five megawatt-hour energy storage system, equivalent to the capacity of 88 Tesla vehicles. Energy is generated through hydro-generating thrusters, a 100-square-meter hybrid solar array with an efficiency of 60%, and a wind turbine.
Vitters, a Dutch shipyard known for high-performance custom yachts, is overseeing construction.
“From the outset, this has been about building a yacht that reflects a future we all recognize is coming,” said Louis Hamming, CEO of Vitters. “It’s a privilege to help bring that future to life.”
Zero can accommodate up to 12 guests in an interior that emphasizes craftsmanship and sustainability. Materials include pineskin-based leather and “leathered” marble that highlights, rather than hides, the stone’s natural imperfections. Each cabin is inspired by a global destination, featuring bespoke artworks from local artisans.
Following the yacht’s technical launch, the team will begin systems commissioning and mast installation, followed by rigorous sea trials. Delivery is scheduled for 2026—more than seven years after the project started.
“The project isn’t about showcasing our own capabilities, or even specifically about the yacht,” said Eduard van Benthem, executive director at Foundation Zero. “It’s about proving there’s a better way forward—and sharing that knowledge with others.”
In addition to private use and limited charters, Zero will support scientific research missions focused on renewable marine technologies and ocean sustainability. It will be very interesting to see after the vessel is launched and put through sea trials how she lives up to the dream of superyacht comfort combined with sustainability. The seven years in the making surely demonstrates that creating a non-fossil fueled powered vessel of this size and caliber is no small undertaking. We look forward to continuing to follow Zero to see how she impacts sustainable planetary adventure travel.
